ASTM D1600-99

Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics

SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this terminology is to provide uniform contractions of terms relating to plastics. Abbreviated terminology has evolved through widespread common usage. This compilation has been prepared to avoid both the occurrence of more than one abbreviated term for a given plastics term and multiple meanings for abbreviated terms.
1.2 The scope of these abbreviated terms includes plastics terms pertaining to composition and relating to type or kind according to mode of preparation or principle distinguishing characteristics. Also included are abbreviated terms for terms relating to copolymers, blends and alloys of plastics, and additives such as plasticizers, fillers, etc.  Note 1-A code relating to the composition of rubbers is given in Practice D1418.
1.3 No attempt is made here to systematize formally a shorthand terminology for polymers. Terminology, including nomenclature, codes, symbols, and formula designations for use in scientific literature in the field of natural and synthetic polymers, are being studied and standardized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.  
1.4 These abbreviated terms are by no means all-inclusive of plastics terminology. They represent, in general, those terms that have come into established use. Since it is recognized that abbreviated terms serve no useful purpose unless they are generally accepted and used, no attempt has been made to establish a rigorous code for devising standard abbreviated terms. This would result in awkward departures from established usage of existing and accepted abbreviated terms and lead to cumbersome combinations in the future, which would not be likely to receive widespread acceptance. The abbreviated terms now in use have grown naturally out of the need for convenient, readily comprehended shorthand for long chemical names. This process can be expected to continue along the natural lines of least resistance and will serve as a basis for further standardization as the need arises. A general guide for the preparation of abbreviated terms appears desirable, however, to facilitate more organized and uniform standardization in the future. An appendix is attached, which suggests a uniform way to prepare abbreviated terms.
1.5 Note that the uppercase letter F should be used to designate phosphate and that other elements may also be designated F.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-1999
• ICS: 01.040.83 - Rubber and plastics industries (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.92 - Terminology

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D1600-07 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Referred By: ASTM F2881/F2881M-21e1 - Standard Specification for 12 to 60 in. [300 to 1500 mm] Polypropylene (PP) Dual Wall Pipe and Fittings for Non-Pressure Storm Sewer Applications
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D1430-22 - Standard Classification System for Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) Plastics
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2830-11(2017) - Standard Specification for Manufacture and Joining of Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe With a Peelable Polypropylene (PP) Outer Layer
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D3595-14(2019)e1 - Standard Specification for Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) Extruded Plastic Sheet and Film
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2434-19 - Standard Specification for Metal Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Tubing
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F512-19 - Standard Specification for Smooth-Wall Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Conduit and Fittings for Underground Installation
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D1203-22 - Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D2672-20e1 - Standard Specification for Joints for IPS PVC Pipe Using Solvent Cement
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D6835-23 - Standard Classification System for Thermoplastic Elastomer-Ether-Ester Molding and Extrusion Materials (TEEE)
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D2466-23 - Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F891-16 - Standard Specification for Coextruded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe With a Cellular Core
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D2538-18 - Standard Practice for Fusion of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds Using a Torque Rheometer
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2897-23 - Standard Specification for Tracking and Traceability Encoding System of Natural Gas Distribution Components (Pipe, Tubing, Fittings, Valves, and Appurtenances)
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2831-19 - Standard Practice for Internal Non Structural Epoxy Barrier Coating Material Used In Rehabilitation of Metallic Pressurized Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D 1600–99
Standard Terminology for
Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1600; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope * the preparation of abbreviated terms appears desirable, how-
ever, to facilitate more organized and uniform standardization
1.1 The purpose of this terminology is to provide uniform
in the future. An appendix is attached, which suggests a
contractions of terms relating to plastics. Abbreviated termi-
uniform way to prepare abbreviated terms.
nology has evolved through widespread common usage. This
1.5 Note that the uppercase letter F should be used to
compilation has been prepared to avoid both the occurrence of
designate phosphate and that other elements may also be
more than one abbreviated term for a given plastics term and
designated F.
multiple meanings for abbreviated terms.
1.6 An abbreviated term (FR) and code numbers are pro-
1.2 The scope of these abbreviated terms includes plastics
vided to identify classes of materials used as flame retardants
terms pertaining to composition and relating to type or kind
added to plastics. The system is provided for use in situations
according to mode of preparation or principle distinguishing
where marking of plastics products is desired.
characteristics. Also included are abbreviated terms for terms
relating to copolymers, blends and alloys of plastics, and
NOTE 2—Many of the abbreviated terms, codes, numbers, and symbols
additives such as plasticizers, fillers, etc. in ISO 1043 parts 1 through 3 and in ISO/DIS 1043-4 are the same as the
corresponding item in ASTM D 1600. D 1600 includes a number of
NOTE 1—A code relating to the composition of rubbers is given in
abbreviated terms that are not in ISO 1043.
Practice D 1418.
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 No attempt is made here to systematize formally a
shorthand terminology for polymers. Terminology, including
2.1 ASTM Standards:
nomenclature, codes, symbols, and formula designations for
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
use in scientific literature in the field of natural and synthetic
D 1418 Practice for Rubber and Rubber Latices—
polymers, are being studied and standardized by the Interna-
Nomenclature
tional Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
D 1972 Practice for Generic Marking of Plastics Products
1.4 These abbreviated terms are by no means all-inclusive
2.2 ISO Standards:
of plastics terminology.They represent, in general, those terms
ISO 472:1988 Plastics—Vocabulary
that have come into established use. Since it is recognized that
ISO 1043-1:1996 Plastics—Symbols—Part 1: Basic Poly-
abbreviated terms serve no useful purpose unless they are
mers and Their Special Characteristics
generally accepted and used, no attempt has been made to
ISO 1043-2:1988 Plastics—Symbols—Part 2: Fillers and
establish a rigorous code for devising standard abbreviated
Reinforcing Materials
terms. This would result in awkward departures from estab-
ISO 1043-3:1988 Plastics—Symbols—Part 3: Plasticizers
lished usage of existing and accepted abbreviated terms and
ISO/DIS 1043-4:1996 Plastics—Symbols and Abbreviated
lead to cumbersome combinations in the future, which would
Terms—Part 4: Flame Retardants
not be likely to receive widespread acceptance. The abbrevi-
ISO11469:1992 Plastics—GenericIdentificationandMark-
ated terms now in use have grown naturally out of the need for
ing of Plastics Products
convenient,readilycomprehendedshorthandforlongchemical
3. Terminology
names. This process can be expected to continue along the
natural lines of least resistance and will serve as a basis for
3.1 Definitions:
further standardization as the need arises. A general guide for 3.1.1 For definitions of general terms, see Terminology
D 883.
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.92 on Terminology.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1999. Published February 2000. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
published as D 1600 – 58. Last previous edition D 1600 – 98. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
2 5
“ReportonNomenclatureintheFieldofMacromolecules,” Journal of Polymer Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Science, Vol VIII, 1952, pp. 257–277. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
*ASummary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 1600
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Term Abbreviated
Term
3.2.1 flame retardant, FR, n—a substance that markedly
Methyl cellulose MC
retards the propagation of a flame. (See ISO 472.)
Methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin MMABS
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Flame retardants may be incorporated
Nylon (see also polyamide) PA
inplasticsasadditives(externalflameretardant)oraschemical
groups in the base polymer by use of reactive intermediates in
Perfluoro(alkoxy alkane) PFA
the polymerization process (internal flame retardant).The code
Perfluoro(ethylene-propylene) copolymer FEP
Perfluoromethoxy resin MFA
numbers in this standard are restricted to external flame
Phenol-formaldehyde resin PF
retardants.
Phenol-furfural resin PFF
Poly(acrylic acid) PAA
4. Terms andAbbreviated Terms
Poly(allyl diglycol carbonate) PADC
Poly(aryl ether ketone) PAEK
4.1 Plastics and Resins:
Poly(butyl acrylate) PBA
Poly(butylene terephthalate) PBT
Term Abbreviated
Term Poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene cyclohexandicar- PCCE
boxylate), glycoland acid comonomer
Acrylonitrile/butadiene plastics AB
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-acrylate plastics ABA Poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) PCT
Poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate), PCTA
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics ABS
Acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene-styrene plastics ACPES acid comonomer
Poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate), glycol PCTG
Acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene plastics AES
Acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene AMAB Poly(diallyl phthalate) PDAP
rubber Poly(ester urethane) PAUR
Acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate plastics AMMA Poly(ether block amide) PEBA
Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate plastics ASA Poly(ether sulfone) PES
Poly(ether urethane) PEUR
Acrylonitrile/ethylene-propylene-diene/styrene AEPDMS
Aromatic polyester ARP Poly(ethylene oxide) PEOX
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) PET
Carboxymethyl cellulose CMC Poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycol comonomer PETG
Poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA
Casein CS
Caseine-formaldehyde resin CSF Poly(methyl methacrylimide) PMMI
Cellulose acetate CA Poly(methyl-a-chloroacrylate) PMCA
Cellulose acetate-butyrate CAB Poly(phenyl sulfone) PPSU
Cellulose acetate propionate CAP Poly(phenylene ether) (or Poly(phenylene oxide), PPE
a deprecated term)
Cellulose formaldehyde CEF
Cellulose nitrate CN Poly(phenylene sulfide) PPS
Poly(phenylene sulfone) PPSU
Cellulose plastics, general CE
Cellulose propionate CP Poly(propylene oxide) PPOX
Poly(vinyl acetate) PVAC
Cellulose triacetate CTA
Chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) CPVC Poly(vinyl alcohol) PVOH
Chlorinated polyethylene CPE Poly(vinyl butyral) PVB
Poly(vinyl carbazole) PVK
Cresol-formaldehyde resin CF
Poly(vinyl chloride) PVC
Poly(vinyl chloride-acetate) PVCA
Epoxy, epoxide EP
Ethyl cellulose EC Poly(vinyl fluoride) PVF
Poly(vinyl formal) PVFM
Ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer E-CTFE
Ethylene-ethyl acrylate plastics EEA Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) PVP
Poly(vinylidene chloride) PVDC
Ethylene-methacrylic acid plastics EMA
Ethylene-propylene polymer EPM Poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF
Ethylene-propylene-diene plastics EPD Poly(e-caprolactone) PCL
Poly-4-methylpentene-1 PMP
Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer ETFE
Ethylene-vinyl acetate plastics EVA Poly-a-methylstyrene PMS
Poly-p-oxybenzoate POB
Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer EVOH
Polyacrylonitrile PAN
Polyamide (nylon) PA
Fluorocarbon perfluoromethoxy MPA
Furan formaldehyde resin FF Polyamide 11 PA11
Polyamide 12 PA12
High density polyethylene plastics HDPE Polyamide 1212 PA1212
High impact-resistant polystyrene HIPS Polyamide 46 PA46
Polyamide 6 PA6
Impact resistant polystyrene IPS Polyamide 610 PA610
Polyamide 612 PA612
Linear low density polyethylene plastics LLDPE Polyamide 66 PA66
Polyamide 69 PA69
Linear medium density polyethylene plastics LMDPE
Liquid crystal polymer LCP Polyamide-imide PAI
Low density polyethylene plastics LDPE Polyarylate PAR
Polyaryl amide PARA
Medium density polyethylene plastics MDPE Polyarylether PAE
Polyarylsulfone PASU
Melamine-formaldehyde resin MF
Melamine/phenol-formaldehyde resin MPF Polybutadiene-acrylonitrile PBAN
Polybutadiene-styrene PBS
Methacrylate-butadiene-styrene plastics MBS
Polybutene-1 PB
Polycarbonate PC
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFE
6 t
To prevent any confusion with or misuse of the registered trademark, PET Polyester alkyd (or polyacrylate) PAK
Milk, the guidelines of 8.1 shall be followed.
D 1600
Term Abbreviated Term Abbreviated
Term Term
Polyetheretherketone PEEK Acrylonitrile-butadiene-acrylate plastics+polycarbonate ABA+PC
Polyetheretherketoneketone PEEKK Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics+poly(vinyl chloride) ABS+PVC
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics+polyphenylene sulfone ABS+PPSU
Polyetherketonetherketoneketone PEKEKK
Polyetherketoneketone PEKK Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics+polytetrafluoroethylene ABS+PTFE
Polyetherimide PEI Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics+styrene maleic anhy- ABS+SMA
Polyetherketone PEK dride
Polyethylene PE Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics+thermoplastic ABS+TPU
Poly(ethylene naphthalate) PEN polyurethane
Polyhydroxy butyrate PHB Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics+polyamide ABS+PA
Polyimide PI Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics+polycarbonate ABS+PC
Polyimidesulfone PISU Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate plastics+poly(methyl methacrylate)ASA+PMMA
Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate plastics+polycarbonate ASA+PC
Polyisobutylene PIB
Polyisocyanurate PIR
Polyketone PK Fully crosslinked elastomeric alloy FCEA
Polymethacrylimide PMI
Polyoxymethylene, polyacetal POM Poly(butylene terephthalate)+poly(ethylene terephthalate) PBT+PET
Polyphthalamide PPA Abbreviated
Polypropylene PP Poly(butylene terephthalate)+rubber PBT+RBR
Polystyrene PS Poly(ethylene naphthalate) PEN
Polysulfone PSU Poly(ethylene terephthalate)+poly(methyl methacrylate) PET +PMMA
Poly(ethylene terephthalate)+poly(phenylene sulfone) PET +PPSU
Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE
Polyurethane PUR Poly(ethylene terephthalate)+rubber PET +RBR
Poly(phenylene ether)+impact resistant polystyrene PPE+IPS
Saturated polyester plastic SP Poly(phenylene sulfide)+polytetrafluoroethylene PPS+PTFE
Silicone plastics SI Poly(vinyl chloride)+chlorinated polyethylene PVC+CPE
Styrene-a-methylstyrene plastic SMS Poly(vinyl chloride)+nitrile-butadiene rubber PVC+NBR
Styrene-acrylonitrile plastic SAN Poly(vinyl chloride)+poly(methyl methacrylate) PVC+PMMA
Poly(vinyl chloride) plastics+polyurethane PVC+PUR
Styrene-butadiene plastic SB
Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer SBS Polyamide (amorphous) blend PA +
Polyamide plastics+ethylene-methacrylic acid (ionomer) PA+EMA
Styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer SEBS
Styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene block copolymer SEPS Polyamide+poly(phenylene ether) PA+PPE
Styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer SIS Polyamide+polyethylene PA+PE
Styrene-maleic anhydride plastics S/MA Polyamide+rubber PA+RBR
Styrene-rubber plastics SRP Polyamide+styrene-acrylonitrile plastics PA+SAN
Polycarbonate+poly(butylene terephthalate) PC+PBT
Thermoplastic elastomer TPE Polycarbonate+poly(ethylene terephthalate) PC+PET
Polycarbonate+polyethylene PC+PE
Thermoplastic elastomer, ether-ester TEEE
Thermoplastic elastomer, fully crosslinked elastomer alloy FCEA Polycarbonate+styrene-maleic anhydride PC+SMA
Thermoplastic elastomer, highly crosslinked thermoplastic vul- HCTPV Polycarbonate+thermoplastic polyurethane PC+TPU
canizate Polyoxymethylene+polytetrafluoroethylene POM+PTFE
Thermoplastic elastomer, olefinic TEO Polyoxymethylene+rubber POM+RBR
Thermoplastic elastomer, polyether block amide PEBA Polyurethane+polyisocyanate PUR+PIR
Thermoplastic elastomer, styrenic TES Styrene-maleic anhydride plastics+impact resistant polystyrene SMA+IPS
Thermoplastic elastomer styrenic, saturated TESS Thermoplastic elastomer-chlorinated ethylene alloy TECEA
Thermoplastic elastomer styrenic, unsaturated TESU
Thermoplastic polyester TPES 4.3 Plastic and Resin Additives:
Thermoplastic polyester:
Copolyester [poly(aryl terephthalate)] ARP
Polyarylate [poly(aryl terephthalate)]—liquid crystal PAT
Term Abbreviated
polymer
Term
Thermoplastic polyurethane TPU
Alkylsulfonic acid ester ASE
Thermoplastic polyurethane, reinforced RTPU
Thermoset polyurethane TSPU
Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP
Benzyl octyl adipate (benzyl 2-ethylhexyl adipate) BOA
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene UHMWPE Benzyl octyl phthalate (benzyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate) BOP
Unsaturated polyester UP
Urea-formaldehyde resin UF Di-n-octyl phthalate DNOP
Dibutylphthalate DBP
Vinyl chloride-ethylene resin VCE
Dibutyl sebacate DBS
Vinyl chloride-ethylene-methyl acrylate resin VCEMA
Dicapryl phthalate DCP
Vinyl chloride-ethylene-vinyl acetate resin VCEVAC
Dicylohexyl phthalate DCHP
Vinyl chloride-methyl acrylate resin VCMA
Didecyl phthalate DDP
Vinyl chloride-methyl methacrylate resin VCMMA
Diethyl phthalate DEP
Vinyl chloride-octyl acrylate resin VCOA Diheptyl phthalate DHP
Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate resin VCVAC
Dihexyl phthalate DHXP
Vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride resin VCVDC
Diisobutyl phthalate DIBP
Vinylidene fluoride VDF
Diisodecyl adipate DIDA
Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP
4.2 Blends and Alloys of Plastics: Diisoheptyl phthalate DIHP
Diisohexyl phthalate DIHXP
Diisononyl adipate DINA
Term Abbreviated Diisononyl phthalate DINP
Term Diisooctyl adipate DIOA
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-acrylate plastics + poly(methyl methacry-ABA+PMMA Diisooctyl phthalate DIOP
late)
Diisopentyl phthalate DIPP
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-acrylate plastics+poly(vinyl chloride) ABA+PVC Diisotridecyl phthalate DITDP
D 1600
5. Full List by Term andAbbreviated Term
Term Abbreviated
Term
Term Abbreviated
Dimethyl phthalate DMP
Term
Dinonyl phthalate DN
...